GP cleared of patient sex charges
A Bunbury GP accused of sexually abusing 10 female patients, including a teenager and a pregnant woman, under the guise of medical treatment has been cleared of 12 charges.
A District Court jury deliberated for two days before finding former heart surgeon Ranjit Kumar Panda not guilty of a dozen charges.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a further 11 charges.
Dr Panda was charged with indecent assault and sexual penetration without consent after the women claimed he assaulted them during appointments at the Forrest Family Practice in 2012.
His alleged victims went to the clinic seeking help for ailments ranging from tonsillitis to a sore knee.
Dr Panda denied any of the assaults had occurred.
Outside court, defence lawyer Simon Watters said his client was relieved he had been exonerated on certain counts.
"He is obviously disappointed that the matter hasn't been resolved completely," he said.
"He has been suspended from practice as a doctor since August 2012 and hopefully now the matter can be resolved in the short term."
During a two-week trial, the jury was told Dr Panda groped, fondled, jiggled, stroked and pinched the breasts and genitals of the women.
Prosecutor Linda Keane said Dr Panda used his position as a practitioner to abuse the women's bodies and trust over eight months.
Dr Panda has been released on bail and is expected to return to Sydney, where he now lives with his wife and two children, this afternoon.
As part of his bail conditions he can not contact any alleged victims or witnesses, can not apply for a passport and must return to WA at least seven days before any future trials start.
Dr Panda will face court again over the remaining charges on April 24.
